adminPrecious Manomano
Herald Reporter
Farmers are expecting better performance during the 2024/25 summer cropping season given the high level of preparedness and prospects of good rains.
The Government is distributing Pfumvudza inputs to all Grain Marketing Board (GMB) depots so that farmers can receive them on time to ensure national food security.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Professor Obert Jiri said farmers should be adequately prepared for the summer cropping season and take advantage of the forecasted La Nina phenomenon.
He also said inputs that will cater for 3.5 million households have been secured.
“Now it is all systems go in the implementation of the summer plan with inputs distribution under the Pfumvudza programme having already started at the GMB depots,” he said.
“The EI Nino has receded and we have started to see that the La Nina phenomenon is building up. We anticipate that this coming season will be characterised by higher rainfall.
“We will look at the forecast next month when all the SADC meteorological departments meet but so far from the scientific models, La Nina is building up so we have a better start to the season. Farmers should start to prepare,” said Prof Jiri.
Government approved the summer plan last week on Tuesday.
The National Enhanced Agricultural Productivity Scheme (NEAPS) and the Agricultural Rural Development Authority (ARDA) programme will continue this season.
Government will be extending support to ARDA to ensure that they put at least 100 000 ha under cereals during the summer season.
This year, the Government is focusing on increased production of sunflower, cotton and tobacco.
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter